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Going fishing this Easter? Keep your catch food-safe
There are 4. 2 million, or one in five Australian adults, estimated to take part in recreational fishing each year. Seafood is generally safe and healthy, but each year Australians are affected, and even hospitalised, from illnesses such as Read more about Going fishing this Easter? Keep your catch food-safe
AustraliaFood Safety Information Council -
New classification of tuberculosis to support efforts to eliminate the disease
The Lancet Respiratory Medicine
A new way to classify tuberculosis (TB) that aims to improve focus on the early stages of the disease has been presented by an international team. The work was led by researchers at WEHI, UCL, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Read more about New classification of tuberculosis to support efforts to eliminate the disease
Australia; International; VICWEHI -
New findings shed light on finding valuable ‘green’ metals
Science Advances
New Macquarie University research shows low temperature, carbon-rich melts in Earth's upper mantle can dissolve and transport economically important metals like copper and platinum. The findings, published in Science Advances, reveal these carbonate Read more about New findings shed light on finding valuable ‘green’ metals
InternationalMacquarie University|The Australian National University... -
Dogs may really understand the names of their toys
Current Biology
Dogs can really learn what their toys are called instead of just relying on context, according to international research. The researchers say dogs generally don't do well in tests where they're asked to fetch an object after hearing its name, but Read more about Dogs may really understand the names of their toys
InternationalEötvös Loránd University, Hungary -
Meta’s success in suppressing misinformation on Facebook is patchy at best
Media International Australia
The content moderation policy adopted by Meta at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic to rein in misinformation on Facebook has proved no great obstacle to users capable to finding work arounds according to a new study by digital and social media Read more about Meta’s success in suppressing misinformation on Facebook is patchy at best
Australia; International; NSWUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS)|The University of Sydney -
Deadline for global pandemic agreement looms
More than 100 world leaders, including former NZ prime ministers Helen Clark and Jenny Shipley, are calling for nations to finalise an agreement on future pandemics. Negotiations between 194 nations on the first-ever "Pandemic Accord" began in Read more about Deadline for global pandemic agreement looms
Australia; New Zealand; InternationalWorld Health Organization (WHO) -
UK SMC EXPERT REACTION: Replacing sugar with sweeteners could help with weight loss control long-term
European Congress on Obesity (ECO)
Replacing sugar-sweetened foods with low/no energy sweetened products could help people control their weight for at least one year after rapid weight loss in adults, without increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes or heart disease, according to Read more about UK SMC EXPERT REACTION: Replacing sugar with sweeteners could help with weight loss control long-term
InternationalUniversity of Copenhagen, Denmark -
A push for action on clean indoor air
Scientific leaders from multiple disciplines, spanning health, engineering and environment, as well as professional societies are calling for greater action to improve indoor air quality. The Australian Academy of Science, Burnet Institute, and Read more about A push for action on clean indoor air
Australia; VICBurnet Institute -
Zooplankton research priorities for a changing world outlined
7th ICES-PICES International Zooplankton Production Symposium
Marine zooplankton – the estimated 28,000 species of usually unseen animals such as krill and jellyfish that drift with ocean currents – play a critical role in carbon storage, the global climate system, the structure of marine ecosystems and Read more about Zooplankton research priorities for a changing world outlined
Australia; International; TASUniversity of Tasmania|Australian Antarctic Program Partnership (AAPP)... -
What stops teens getting enough exercise as they become adults?
PLOS ONE
Doing regular exercise over the long term may help the health and mental health of Aussie teens as they transition to young adults, according to Australian research, but there are some factors which make getting enough exercise less likely. The Read more about What stops teens getting enough exercise as they become adults?
Australia; SAThe University of Adelaide -
Bats good news! Grey-headed flying-foxes numbers are flying high
PLOS ONE
Australia's grey-headed flying-foxes are flying high, with numbers remaining stable despite the species being listed as vulnerable. The researchers have analysed data from Australia's National Flying-fox Monitoring Program (NFFMP) and found that Read more about Bats good news! Grey-headed flying-foxes numbers are flying high
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SACSIRO -
Food prices might be rising already, but climate change could make it worse
Communications Earth & Environment
Global warming could cause an inflation of food prices by up to 3. 2% a year in a decade's time, according to international research. The researchers used data on weather and consumer price indices across the world to see how they have been related Read more about Food prices might be rising already, but climate change could make it worse
InternationalPotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Germany -
Does your teen smell like sandalwood or more like a goat?
Communications Chemistry
German researchers compared the chemical composition and smell of body odour samples taken from 18 infants with samples taken from 18 teenagers, finding that they're similar but there were some differences. They identified two compounds found Read more about Does your teen smell like sandalwood or more like a goat?
InternationalFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany -
Concussions in the first 6 years of life can have lingering side effects
JAMA Network Open
Kids who experience a concussion between the ages of six months and six years can experience symptoms for up to three months after the injury, according to Canadian research. The researchers compared symptoms among a group of kids with concussions Read more about Concussions in the first 6 years of life can have lingering side effects
InternationalUniversité de Montréal, Canada -
"I still have to show up and drug up" - Migraines take a toll on Kiwis' work and home lives
NZMJ
A qualitative survey of New Zealanders living with chronic or episodic migraines shows the deep toll the condition can take. One respondent said their broken elbow was less painful and debilitating than their migraines, while another said they don't Read more about "I still have to show up and drug up" - Migraines take a toll on Kiwis' work and home lives
New ZealandUniversity of Otago|Migraine Foundation Aotearoa New Zealand -
Should the coroner collect menstrual cycle data during suspected suicide autopsies?
NZMJ
There is very little research on women's suicidal behaviours, particularly regarding menstruation’s impact on mental health, say New Zealand researchers. In a research letter, they point out there is no consistency on whether menstrual cycle data Read more about Should the coroner collect menstrual cycle data during suspected suicide autopsies?
New ZealandUniversity of Otago -
Hearts not sharks are a major killer on Aussie beaches
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
While you might be afraid of sharks at the beach, marine creatures make up only 5% of non-drowning deaths on Aussie coastlines, with cardiac conditions and traumatic injuries the major culprits. The research conducted by Surf Life Saving Australia Read more about Hearts not sharks are a major killer on Aussie beaches
AustraliaSurf Life Saving Australia -
Motorcycle injuries on the rise, bicycle injuries falling
NZMJ
The number of motorcyclists going to hospital with serious injuries is on the rise in New Zealand, according to a study by health researchers between 2017 and 2021. The motorcyclist injury rate was over 10% higher by the end of the study, despite Read more about Motorcycle injuries on the rise, bicycle injuries falling
Australia; New ZealandMonash University|Deakin University|Te Tāhū Hauora Health Quality & Safety Commission -
After whaling, scientists weigh up current status of blue whale populations around the world
Animal Conservation
The largest living animal, the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) which averages about 27 metres in length, has slowly recovered from whaling only to face the rising challenges of global warming, pollution, disrupted food sources, shipping, and Read more about After whaling, scientists weigh up current status of blue whale populations around the world
Australia; Pacific; International; SA; WA; TASFlinders University -
Fungal diseases reported in Fiji mangoes
New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science
The first major survey of postharvest mango diseases in Fiji has been carried out by Fijian and Australian researchers. They found a high rate of body and stem rots from mango samples taken from orchards and purchased at markets and roadside stalls. Read more about Fungal diseases reported in Fiji mangoes
Australia; PacificFiji National University (FNU)|University of the Sunshine Coast -
Mixed messaging for mums on breast milk storage guidelines
Breastfeeding Medicine
Expressing or pumping breast milk is an important tool for mothers, especially those who face challenges with direct breastfeeding, but new research from Flinders University has found conflicting advice in the age of social media could be leading to Read more about Mixed messaging for mums on breast milk storage guidelines
Australia; VIC; SAFlinders University|Deakin University -
Antibiotic resistance in treating UTIs highest in aged care facilities
Open Forum Infectious Diseases
New data on antibiotic resistance patterns in UTIs could help guide future treatment decisions. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by E. coli from aged care facilities show higher resistance to antibiotics compared to cases collected from Read more about Antibiotic resistance in treating UTIs highest in aged care facilities
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
Neighbourhood connection improves mental health
Personality and Social Psychology Review
University of Queensland research has found building a sense of community is key to improving people’s mental health, particularly in low socio-economic suburbs. University of Queensland research has found building a sense of community is key to Read more about Neighbourhood connection improves mental health
Australia; QLD; ACTThe University of Queensland|The Australian National University -
3 in 4 countries could be below a replacement level of fertility by 2050
The Lancet
By 2050, 76% of countries and territories around the world will not be having enough babies to sustain their population size, according to projections by international and Australian researchers. The researchers forecasted the fertility of countries Read more about 3 in 4 countries could be below a replacement level of fertility by 2050
Australia; International; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; ACTUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS)|The Australian National University... -
Chance sighting reveals new species of fluffy beetle
Australian Journal of Taxonomy
A researcher from The University of Queensland has discovered a remarkable new genus of fluffy longhorn beetle while camping within rainforest in the Gold Coast hinterland. Download images via DropboxA researcher from The University of Queensland Read more about Chance sighting reveals new species of fluffy beetle
Australia; QLD; ACTThe University of Queensland|CSIRO -
Many AI tools lack adequate safeguards to prevent mass health disinformation
The BMJ
Many publicly accessible artificial intelligence (AI) assistants lack adequate safeguards to consistently prevent the mass generation of health disinformation across a broad range of topics, warn Flinders University’s experts. In a study published Read more about Many AI tools lack adequate safeguards to prevent mass health disinformation
Australia; SAFlinders University|University of South Australia -
Hair-straightening cream might leave your kidneys in a hairy situation
The New England Journal of Medicine
French researchers following up the curly case of a Tunisian woman becoming sick after having her hair straightened, has found that the glyoxylic acid in many of the products can be absorbed and travel to our kidneys, potentially causing harm, in a Read more about Hair-straightening cream might leave your kidneys in a hairy situation
InternationalHôpital de la Conception, Marseille, France -
Over half of us think our pets deserve the same healthcare as us
PLOS ONE
International researchers surveyed pet owners across a number of European countries and found that 58. 4% of them believed their pets should have access to the same treatment options as we have. Additionally, they say that just over half of the Read more about Over half of us think our pets deserve the same healthcare as us
InternationalUniversity of Glasgow, Scotland -
Tweeting about your science paper might not give it the citation rate bump you were hoping for
PLOS ONE
A group of scientists with large followings on X (formally Twitter) has conducted a 3-year-long experiment which showed that tweeting about a scientific study does not significantly increase its chances of being referenced by other research, known Read more about Tweeting about your science paper might not give it the citation rate bump you were hoping for
Australia; New Zealand; International; WACurtin University|University of Canterbury|University of Washington, USA -
1 in 5 autistic Kiwis, and 1 in 6 autistic Aussies feel that society accepts them as an autistic person
PLOS One
For the first time ever, researchers surveyed more than 300 autistic adults from eight countries, including NZ and Australia, to study cross-cultural differences in autism-related stigma. They found differences in levels of autism acceptance, Read more about 1 in 5 autistic Kiwis, and 1 in 6 autistic Aussies feel that society accepts them as an autistic person
Australia; New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Auckland|University of Birmingham, UK; see paper for full list of author affiliations -
People who frequently have musculoskeletal pain are more likely to retire earlier
PLOS ONE
People who frequently experience muscle, nerve or pain in their bones are more likely to retire earlier, according to a study of just over 1000 over-50s living in England. International researchers used data from an ageing study to compare how Read more about People who frequently have musculoskeletal pain are more likely to retire earlier
InternationalUniversity of Portsmouth, UK -
Killer whales use different tactics to hunt in deep, open water
PLOS ONE
Killer whales living and hunting in deep, open water have developed specialised hunting techniques, according to international researchers who compiled data from marine mammal surveys and eco-tours around Monterey Submarine Canyon in California. Read more about Killer whales use different tactics to hunt in deep, open water
InternationalUniversity of British Columbia, Canada -
Does gender influence our decision-making when we're scared?
PLOS ONE
When given a choice between a smaller reward now or a larger reward later, women are more likely to choose the smaller reward if they're scared, according to international researchers. The team tested the decision-making of 308 people by showing Read more about Does gender influence our decision-making when we're scared?
InternationalUniversity of Padua, Italy -
Gender discrimination linked to decline in women's wellbeing over time
PLOS ONE
Middle aged women who believe they have experienced gender discrimination are more likely to have poorer emotional wellbeing and also have a greater decline in their wellbeing over time, according to international research. The team surveyed just Read more about Gender discrimination linked to decline in women's wellbeing over time
InternationalKing’s College London, UK -
Twin stars reveal planet-eating habits
Nature
At least one in a dozen stars show evidence of planetary ingestion according to a paper published in Nature today. At least one in a dozen stars show evidence of planetary ingestion according to a paper published in Nature today. The international Read more about Twin stars reveal planet-eating habits
Australia; International; NSW; VIC; ACTARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)... -
AI could help predict floods where traditional methods struggle
Nature
International researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) model they say can predict flood events at an accuracy equal to or better than current leading methods. The researchers say current forecasting methods are heavily reliant on Read more about AI could help predict floods where traditional methods struggle
InternationalGoogle Research, USA -
Arid migration out of Africa might have been thanks to 'blue highway' corridors
Nature
'Blue highway' corridors might have helped the most recent and widespread migration of humans out of Africa which occurred less than 100,000 years ago, according to international researchers, who say the migration happened during a particularly arid Read more about Arid migration out of Africa might have been thanks to 'blue highway' corridors
InternationalThe University of Texas, USA -
A positive mindset could really help older women stay strong and active
JAMA Psychiatry
Older women who are more optimistic are more likely to maintain some of their physical abilities in older age, according to international research. The team asked nearly 6000 women aged over 65 to complete a test assessing how optimistic they were, Read more about A positive mindset could really help older women stay strong and active
InternationalHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, USA -
‘‘What can we do?’’ Kids want to know about climate action not causes
One Earth
Climate action is the greatest concern for kids when it comes to climate change, according to researchers who asked 1,500 Aussie kids to tell them what they wanted to know about climate change. The study found that 40% of questions were centred Read more about ‘‘What can we do?’’ Kids want to know about climate action not causes
Australia; VIC; TASUniversity of Tasmania|Deakin University -
ADHD meds might help with other mental health issues
JAMA Network Open
Scandinavian researchers suggest there is a link between taking ADHD medication and a decreased risk of mental health related issues and death in adolescents and adults with ADHD. The team looked into the mental wellbeing of over 220,000 people with Read more about ADHD meds might help with other mental health issues
InternationalKarolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden -
Can mRNA vaccines help boost livestock production?
Vaccines
University of Queensland researchers say mRNA vaccine technology could play an important role in boosting livestock production to meet global food demands. UQ’s Professor Tim Mahony said it was vital for the livestock industry to take advantage of Read more about Can mRNA vaccines help boost livestock production?
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
EXPERT REACTION: 'Per capita' needs to go, say researchers
Royal Society Open Science
Researchers say it's a fallacy to make global comparisons on a "per capita" basis. They say the approach overestimates values in countries with small populations - for example, the top ten countries by GDP per capita are all small countries. The Read more about EXPERT REACTION: 'Per capita' needs to go, say researchers
InternationalCharles University, Czech Republic -
Move over worm farms, dung beetles can boost plant growth too
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Dung beetles increase plant growth by an average of 17%, according to a new Aussie analysis of previous research, which puts the beetle boost at a similar level to the increase in growth you get from earthworms. The researcher found that by burying Read more about Move over worm farms, dung beetles can boost plant growth too
Australia; WAThe University of Western Australia|CSIRO -
Our grossest memories are full of smells, tastes and touch
Royal Society Open Science
Our most icky memories, like that time you vomited non-stop, or accidentally drank that off milk, tend to feature our senses of smell, taste or touch, according to Australian research. The study asked people to remember their most disgusting, Read more about Our grossest memories are full of smells, tastes and touch
Australia; NSWMacquarie University -
From the Poles to Everest, the Moon and now the stars
The TOLIMAN mission to discover planets – and perhaps life – around our nearest stellar neighbours in the Centauri system has been awarded a prestigious Explorers Club flag. The TOLIMAN team plans to etch a likeness of the flag onto the Read more about From the Poles to Everest, the Moon and now the stars
Australia; International; NSWThe University of Sydney -
HIV virus elimated by gene editing in a lab
European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Gene editing has been used to eliminate all traces of HIV from infected immune cells in a laboratory, with the hope that it could one day be used to target the HIV DNA which acts as a reservoir for the virus in people with the condition. The gene Read more about HIV virus elimated by gene editing in a lab
InternationalUniversity of Amsterdam AMC, Netherlands -
A holistic approach is key to improving drought adaptation in crops
Nature Research Earth & Environment
More focus on integrating research into drought tolerance in crops is essential to prevent the threat to global food security, according to international researchers. The team from the Institute for Research and Development (IRD), the International Read more about A holistic approach is key to improving drought adaptation in crops
Australia; International; QLDThe University of Queensland -
'Double jointed'? You may be at a higher risk of long COVID
BMJ Public Health
UK and US researchers say people who are 'double jointed' - a condition formally known as generalised joint hypermobility, may be at a heightened risk of long COVID. The researchers say these bendy people were 30% more likely to not have fully Read more about 'Double jointed'? You may be at a higher risk of long COVID
InternationalBrighton and Sussex Medical School, UK -
Unravelling the mysteries of the presynapse with super resolution microscopy
Nature Communications
Researchers from UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) have revealed the pivotal role played by Synapsin 2a proteins in orchestrating the organisation and mobility of synaptic vesicles within live neurons. Researchers from UQ’s Queensland Brain Read more about Unravelling the mysteries of the presynapse with super resolution microscopy
Australia; International; QLDQueensland Brain Institute -
What do team-building exercises do to a group's brain activity?
PLOS Biology
Team-building exercises could help groups of strangers communicate more freely and even synchronise their brain activity, according to international researchers who measured the brain activity of strangers interacting in groups of three. The groups Read more about What do team-building exercises do to a group's brain activity?
InternationalBeijing Normal University, China